Workmen's advocate., 1887-04-16
ENGLISH AND IRISH
GOOD RESULTS OF SOCIAL
 lSTIC AGITATION.
English Workingmen Protest Against Coercion-M Michael Dayitt Ona S0cialistic Platform A
 Thundering "NO"
 No Coercion.

There was warning and a proph- ecy in London last Monday; a warn ing to the capitalistic oppressors of the people and prophecy of better times, in the shape of a gigantic anti-coercion demonstration in and about Hyde Park. Over l50,O00 people gathered to protest against the brutal coercion laws of the Brit ish government, and to listen to speeches by Mir. Sullivan, the mayor of Dublin, Michael Davitt, John Burns and others. There were flags of all colors-Erin's green predom- inating-hags of all nations and the scarlet flag of all nations par eacel- lence.
 Mir. Sullivan's speech is reported as one of much fervor which reused the assemblage to great enthusiasm. When. in the course of his address, he asked if London workingmen pro- posed to see their neighbors, the Irish tenantry, crushed by the cruel ty and rapacity of English landlords and aristocrats, a tremendous shout of "no rolled out like thunder. Mr.. Sullivan's remark that the Queen was about to celebrate her jubilee by signing away the liberties of the Irish people was the signal for burst of angry hisses and cries. lasting several minutes. In con- cluding his speech MT. Sullivan de- clared that to-day's demonstration would carry joy to the hearts of the Irish. The Irish were not implaca- ble enemies of England. There was no rancor between the Irish people and the English people, and when the oppression by the rulers ceased, hatred of the oppressors would end.
 The well known Socialist agitator, John Burns, one of the most active members of the cial-Democratic Federation, made Q strong appeal for fraternal cooperation, and speak ing for his comrades said in the course of his address that the Eng fish worklngmen stand ready to help their Irish brothers whenever they shall decide to revolt against mis- government.
 Michael Davitt, who spoke from the platform erected by the Social ists, was the center of another great crowd, and received an ovation. In hls speech he prophesied that the people would destroy the bridge of hate erected across the Irish Sea by the classes, and would build a bridge of love between the tOilers of En- gland and of Ireland. Such demon strations as this indicated that the masses would render coercion mat ter of very short duration.
 Of course the politicians made it their business to smile graciously upon the people on this occasion, and even the conservative element among the workingmen found cour- age enough to brave the dangers of police "protection " and march in procession with banners bearing the portraits of their favorite politician. Gladstone.
 Fourteen platforms for the speak CTS were erected on the grounds. After the meeting, the members of the Socialist societies marched Tn solid columns to Trafalgar Square, whore more speeches were made, and pledges for help and encouragement of the oppressed in Ireland were re- newed.
 The police authorities were, as usual, on hand with their minions, but for some reason or other re- trained from making any disturb ance.